Saturday, July 24, 2010

Butterfly Identification!



Ask me how to compose a beautiful photograph and I can give you my rendition of just how to go about it. But identifying butterflies that aren't the bright colorful more commonly known butterflies . . . well. While visiting Bernheim, I tried to take a few photos of the less colorful butterflies. I know a handful of butterflies by name such as the Monarch, the Yellow Swallowtail, etc. Still I like these little guys. I am especially fond of the "water droplets" on their wings. Yes, I know they're not really water droplets but one can imagine. These butterflies don't mind having their photos taken so much as say the Swallowtails who flitter off. Does anyone know why the Swallowtails flitter off when you get close enough while other butterflies stay put longer. Just strikes me as odd. And oh yes, if you know the name of these guys, please divulge, as sadly I don't. Stay cool, it's another scorcher today. Enjoy!

4 comments :

  1. AnonymousJuly 24, 2010

    Caro, that is a meadow fritillary. The map in my book shows it is up here, too, but I have only seen the silver-bordered fritillary.

    Yes, I think you would enjoy having field guides for both butterflies and wildflowers. I use mine daily.

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  2. AnonymousJuly 24, 2010

    I've just come to accept that I cannot shoot every butterfly that flits by me! You done good with this one!

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  3. AnonymousJuly 24, 2010

    Hey Carol,

    I am not sure, but for future ID situations this website: http://www.bugguide.net/ can be a great resource. As for why some may be more flighty then others may be do to how they handle the heat. Insects are more active as the day gets hot so the best times to photograph them is earlier and later in the day, but you may already know that. My next guess might be better developed sight, but usually its the heat. All the best!

    P.s. if your ever looking for a macro lens to photograph insects and you are looking to have a larger working distance the larger the focal length the better.

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  4. Definitely a Fritillary...that's as far as I'll go with the ID. I like the composition of the 2nd shot Carol. FAB.

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